Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Investor
Bob was pleasantly surprised when he ran through the QuickMoves proposal. He had to admit it was quite an impressive plan, and he found their regional expansion strategy rather appealing.
He flipped through the report Marjorie prepared on their key personnel and found his eyes drawn to the photograph of their CEO, Jacqueline Mitchell.
*Interesting… a self-made millionaire. Started her career in a well-known advertising agency, traveled widely, later headed an agency in Jakarta. Then returned to Singapore and founded her new tech startup, QuickMoves. She’s got good business acumen and contacts all around the region. Quite enterprising -- I like that!*
Satisfied with what he saw, he picked up his phone.
“Hi, Marj. Well, I’ve just run through their proposal, and I like it. Do you think you could set up a meeting? The early part of the following week will be best.”
“I’ll speak with Henry tomorrow morning and set it up,” she said, then asked, “Anything, in particular, you want me to raise with them?”
“Yes, can you get me their last three years’ audited financial statements?”
“Yes, I’ve already requested copies. Anything else?”
“No, I just want a face-to-face meeting and I’ll decide from there,” he said. “And, about what I asked you to help me with earlier…”
“Yeah, I’ve got someone on it. Give him a week or two,” she replied.
“A week or two? Can your guy work on it a little faster? It’s quite urgent.”
“I’ll see what he says. But the only lead is the birth certificate, and there’s no known address, Bob. Besides, it’ll take time to trace any surviving relatives. Don’t forget, the other lead is a photo that goes back to 1939.”
“I understand, Marj, but just do what you can, will you?” he said.
“I will. Okay, till tomorrow then. I’ll call you. Good night.”
“Yes, thanks Marj, good night.”
* * *
[Tech Venture Capital, Marina One West Tower, Singapore]
“Hi Marjorie, you've got a call from Mr. Henry Yap,” a voice came over the intercom.
“Thanks, Jenny. Please, pass him through.”
“Good morning, Marjorie. Henry, here. I’ve emailed you the financial statements. I hope you’ve received them?”
“Morning, Henry. Yes, I have, thanks. Let me go through them first, then we’ll have a chat, okay?”
“Let me know if you need any clarification, Marjorie. I’ll be glad to drop by.”
“No worries, Henry. And about the terms you requested… Well, I can’t commit to anything for now. But I can get my director to fly over here the following week for a face-to-face, and we’ll resolve it then. Does that work for you?”
“Yes, that would be lovely. Do you have a specific date?”
“The following Monday looks very likely, but I’ll call you back and confirm it by, say, Friday?”
“That would be splendid!” he exclaimed, excited by what he just heard.
“Well, I won’t take up any more of your time, Marjorie. As always, it was a pleasure talking to you.”
“Bye, Henry.”
Marjorie smiled fondly as she put the receiver down. She found Henry’s candid personality so endearing. He was engaging and easy to work with. His company had come up with a bankable business plan and she was looking forward to working with them on this project.
* * *
[QuickMoves office, Republic Plaza]
Stepping into her office, Jackie looked a little downtrodden.
*Everything hinges on the funding. If we can’t get it, we’re dead. Was I too gung-ho pushing for two big projects at once? What am I going to tell the guys… that we need to downsize? Right after we expanded operations?*
She plonked herself down in her seat and decided to keep herself busy. Her mind kept wandering when she clicked on her workstation.
*Oh, God… I hope this doesn’t mean I will have to sell the emerald necklace… I’d hate myself for it.*
The door suddenly swung open and in walked Henry, all jaunty and merry, as was his wont.
“Hello, hello! I knew you’d still be here.”
“Oh, hi, Henry. How did the meeting go?”
“Very well, I must say!”
Detecting her low energy, he asked, “Is everything alright, Jackie?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Just a little tired. Haven’t been getting much sleep lately.”
“You are aware you can’t hide anything from me, aren’t you? I know you better than yourself,” he responded.
“Look, Jackie. It’s not as bad as it seems. I know it’s tough, but we’ve been through this before. Even with the additional marketing costs and promotional rebates, we still have enough to run, so quit worrying.”
Jackie pursed her lips. “No, I’m not… mm, maybe a little.”
“Well, my dear, perk up! Because Robert Tang, the boss of TV Cap is on his way to meet us here -- tentatively, the following Monday! We’ll get a firm date by the end of this week. It looks really promising.”
“Really? Oh, that’s the best news I’ve heard in a while!” Jackie exclaimed and the relief showed visibly.
“Hey, Jackie. Let’s go out after the TV Cap meeting. There’s a new DJ playing at Zouk’s and I hear he’s pretty good. I won’t take no for an answer. We’ll bring Daphne along -- that poor girl is all work and no play. C’mon, it’ll do her some good! You don’t want her to burn out, do you?”
Jackie chuckled. “Yes, okay… let’s do it!”
* * *
[Tech Venture Capital, Marina One West Tower]
It was past 5 pm when Marjorie completed reviewing the QuickMoves financial statements in her office. Satisfied, she punched Bob’s number on the autodialer.
No reply.
*Ah, it’s Tuesday. He must be doing his kickboxing thingy!*
She picked up her smartphone and left him a message, then emailed the report over.
*Okay, time to call it a day.*
* * *
[Meekhong Muay Thai gym, Kuala Lumpur]
Bob held both hands together and bowed, offering his respects to his "kru" when the training session ended. He was drenched in sweat and his muscles ached from the punishing Muay Thai drills.
When he unzipped his bag for a change of clothes, he had a look at his phone and noticed a missed call and a new message. He promptly read it.
*Marjorie: Need to confirm a date for meeting with QuickMoves. Emailed you the financials.*
Bob immediately called her back.
“Hey, Marj. Got your email, thanks.”
“Hi, Bob. Are you still at the gym?” Marjorie said.
“Yeah, just finished.”
“Why can’t you just go to a regular gym as normal people do? No, no… don’t answer that… you’re not like others!” Marjorie teased with a giggle.
“Ha!” Bob replied, reacting with a grin on his face.
“So, when do you plan to fly down to Singapore?” she asked.
“Tentatively, Monday, the following week. Tengku is setting up a couple of meetings for me next week. Give me a couple of days to confirm travel dates.”
“Okay, I’ve already indicated to Henry it’ll likely be the following week, so let me know once you’ve confirmed on your end, alright?”
“I’ll do that. By the way, any news from the investigator yet?”
“No, sorry, Bob. I’ll check with him tomorrow, okay?”
“Appreciate it. You take care, Marj.”
“Bye, Bob.”
Marjorie wondered why she always had a smile on her face whenever she spoke to him. He had a certain quality that made her feel like he genuinely cared.
* * *
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone